The mill is being described as one of the biggest food stockpiles still under control of the Shi’ite Houthi movement. The UN estimated in September that it contained about 45,000 tonnes of food, and said the disruption of the mills would cause an incalculable human cost.

It’s not clear how much food was left in the mill at this point, as months of offensives against Hodeidah have limited the ability to import grains for the mill to process. Its loss, however, still is costly to millions of civilians living in Houthi territory.

That’s because consistently throughout the war, the Saudis have blockaded Houthi ports, with Hodeidah being the last such port. They have also refused to allow aid shipped to ports under their control to be passed on outside of “loyal” territories.

This is getting boring. Saudis no linger control much if Yemeni forces — if any. EVERYTHING EAST OF HODEIDAH US CONTROLLED BY UAE/US Yemeni troups who had long time ago stopped supporting Saudi “internationally” recognized president Hadi. US us using UAE to take over any military once part of Hadi forces. After Hadi loyalists lost Aden, and top generals, party and tribal leaders assasinated — military has been put under UAE. in the name of “coalition”. The goal is transparent: have Saudis accept US imposed peace, effectively capitulate, and turn over Hadi as a symbol of legitimacy.